Mind Control
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Definition and Context:
Mind control, in a biblical context, refers to the influence or domination over an individual's thoughts, beliefs, and actions. While the term "mind control" is not explicitly found in the Bible, the Scriptures address the concept of controlling one's mind and the influences that can lead a person away from God's truth.

Biblical References:

1. Renewal of the Mind:
The Bible emphasizes the importance of renewing the mind to align with God's will. Romans 12:2 states, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God." This verse highlights the necessity of resisting worldly influences and allowing God's Word to transform one's thinking.

2. Guarding the Heart and Mind:
Proverbs 4:23 advises, "Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life." The heart and mind are closely linked in Scripture, and believers are encouraged to protect their thoughts from harmful influences that can lead to spiritual corruption.

3. Spiritual Warfare:
The Bible acknowledges the existence of spiritual forces that seek to control and deceive. Ephesians 6:12 states, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world's darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." Believers are called to put on the full armor of God to stand firm against these influences.

4. Taking Thoughts Captive:
2 Corinthians 10:5 instructs, "We tear down arguments and every presumption set up against the knowledge of God; and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." This passage underscores the active role Christians must take in controlling their thoughts and ensuring they align with Christ's teachings.

5. Influence of False Teachings:
The Bible warns against false teachings that can lead believers astray. Colossians 2:8 cautions, "See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, which are based on human tradition and the spiritual forces of the world rather than on Christ." This highlights the danger of allowing non-biblical ideologies to influence one's mind.

Practical Application:

· Scripture Meditation:
Regular meditation on Scripture is encouraged to fill the mind with God's truth. Psalm 1:2 describes the blessed man whose "delight is in the law of the LORD, and on His law he meditates day and night."

· Prayer and Supplication:
Philippians 4:6-7 advises believers to present their requests to God through prayer, resulting in "the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, [that] will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

· Community and Accountability:
Engaging with a community of believers provides support and accountability in maintaining a Christ-centered mindset. Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages believers to "spur one another on to love and good deeds" and not to forsake gathering together.

Conclusion:
While the Bible does not use the term "mind control," it provides extensive guidance on maintaining a mind that is aligned with God's will, resisting worldly influences, and being vigilant against spiritual deception. Through the renewal of the mind, guarding one's thoughts, and relying on the Holy Spirit, believers can ensure their minds remain steadfast in Christ.
Topical Bible Verses
Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honest, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Topicalbible.org

James 4:7
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Topicalbible.org

Isaiah 26:3
You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on you: because he trusts in you.
Topicalbible.org

Greek
4997. sophrosune -- soundness of mind, self-control
... soundness of mind, self-control. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration:
sophrosune Phonetic Spelling: (so-fros-oo'-nay) Short Definition: sanity ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4997.htm - 7k

4995. sophronismos -- self-control
... sound mind. From sophronizo; discipline, ie Self-control -- sound mind. see GREEK
sophronizo. (sophronismou) -- 1 Occurrence. 4994, 4995. sophronismos. 4996 ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4995.htm - 7k

4993. sophroneo -- to be of sound mind, ie to be temperate
... Spelling: (so-fron-eh'-o) Short Definition: I am sober-minded, exercise self-control
Definition: I am of sound mind, am sober-minded, exercise self-control. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4993.htm - 7k

4102. pistis -- faith, faithfulness
... self-control; against such things there is no law ... 2 Ro 12:2,3: " And do not be conformed
to this world, but betransformed by the renewing of your mind, so that ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4102.htm - 18k

4994. sophronizo -- to recall one to his senses, admonish
... zo) Short Definition: I admonish Definition: I make sober-minded, admonish, control. ...
From sophron; to make of sound mind, ie (figuratively) to discipline or ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4994.htm - 8k

Library

Parental Control.
... Thus you will be able to control his mind and to instil within his mind pure and
upright desires. Within your home is the place to shine for God. ...
/.../byrum/the value of a praying mother/chapter x parental control.htm

Self-Control.
... The point I want to impress upon your mind is that there's an element within
you, called self, that you must learn to control. At ...
/.../byrum/the value of a praying mother/chapter ix self-control.htm

Letter ii. Self-Control and Self-Culture.
... that you should summon your self-control and compel yourself to a different sort
of reading. If you find that you cannot relish or fix your mind upon standard ...
/.../letter ii self-control and self-culture.htm

Of the Mind and Its Seat.
... For the mind, which exercises control over the body, appears to be placed in the
highest part, the head, as God is in heaven; but when it is engaged in any ...
/.../lactantius/on the workmanship of god/chap xvi of the mind and.htm

The University of Arabia.
... at once by the grasp, the grip of this new experience of the wondrous Spirit's control. ...
was so taken up with the flood of thoughts poured into His mind by the ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks about jesus/the university of arabia.htm

God's Sovereignty and the Human Will
... impulses and subject to their pleasure? Does the will rule the mind, or
does the mind control the will? Is the will free to do as ...
/.../pink/the sovereignty of god/chapter seven gods sovereignty and.htm

The Hardening Operation of Love.
... I go hence" (Job 20:21), is the presentment of the unavoidable control of God ... the
Lord gives the impenitent sinner over to a reprobate mind: "Wherefore God gave ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxxi the hardening operation of.htm

Temperance and the Teen Age
... 1.00). Jewett."Control of Body and Mind (Concerning Cigarettes) (.60).
Scientific Temperance Journal (Monthly) (.60 per year). ...
/.../alexander/the boy and the sunday school/xvii temperance and the teen.htm

The Holy Spirit Bringing Forth in the Believer Christlike Graces ...
... who already dwells in you (if you are a child of God) take full control and bear ...
building." That may be all very well if you bear constantly in mind that the ...
/.../torrey/the person and work of the holy spirit/chapter xiii the holy spirit.htm

Christian Asceticism
... we have 'the same mind' as the suffering Christ, we shall put on the armour for
war to the knife with these in society, and for the rigid self-control of our ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/christian asceticism.htm

Resources
What does the Bible say about finding peace of mind? | GotQuestions.org

What is the mind, biblically speaking? | GotQuestions.org

Is repentance a change of mind or a turning from sin? | GotQuestions.org

Mind: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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